Every story has a story and today’s is an inspiring one! Learn how debut author Brittany Thurman wrote and revised her beautiful book FLY, with gorgeous illustrations by Anna Cunha.

Water, water, everywhere and the drops to drink connect us all! But how do you tackle a big subject like water in a picture book? Read how Christy Mihaly wrote BAREFOOT BOOKS WATER: A DEEP DIVE OF DISCOVERY, that discusses the wondrous power of this life-giving liquid with gorgeous illustrations by Mariona Cabassa. Even more wondrous? This book was created entirely during the pandemic!

Do you know a kid that loves unicorns? Even if you know a kid that doesn’t love unicorns they will still love FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL written by Jess Hernandez with delightful illustrations by Mariano Epelbaum. Read how Jess took the idea of a unicorn school and paired it with an unforgettable character and message.

Sometimes, inspiration for a story can come from another book. But sometimes it can also come when we look at the bookshelf and think: “I wish there were more stories like this…” Read how Maggie Lauren Brown wrote, revised and created her story JOY THE PANDACORN, with beautiful illustrations from Fia Kilbourn.

Practice makes perfect, which means every manuscript (and rewritten manuscript) can lead to a polished story. Learn how the amazing Tara Lazar came up with her tenth picture book, BLOOP, complete with gorgeous illustrations by the talented Mike Boldt.

The beauty of picture books is sometimes they teach us a lesson in a special way. This fun story is about baking...AND the growth mindset. Read how Ana Siqueira wrote and revised her debut picture book BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS with beautiful illustrations by Geraldine Rodriguez.

We need empathy in our world more than ever. Read how Stephanie Lucianovic found inspiration from something her six-year-old said to create the beautiful story HELLO, STAR illustrated by the incomparable Vashti Harrison coming September 2021!

Sometimes a whole story can come from one simple line. Stef Wade shares how one spoken sentence turned into Q&U CALL IT QUITS, illustrated by Jorge Martin and launching June 2021! It is QUITE a QUEST...

The best stories often come from something personal. And the other best stories are silly fun. And the best of all best stories? They combine both. Read how Phaea Crede wrote and polished her debut book JET THE CAT (IS NOT A CAT) illustrated by Terry Runyan and launching May 2021!

Have you ever wondered if it is worthwhile to try to answer an open call? Read more about Roberta Gibson’s publishing journey for her book HOW TO BUILD AN INSECT, illustrated by Anne Lambelet and published by Lerner Books. Coming soon in April 2021!

Joanna Rowland has created beautiful stories to help children process emotions such as THE MEMORY BOX, STAY THROUGH THE STORM, and so many more. She is an elementary teacher by day and a writer by night. Learn how she wrote and revised her upcoming story WHEN THINGS ARE HARD, REMEMBER, illustrated by Marcela Calderon and launching March 2021!

If you’re a fan of chapter books like me (and also a chapter book writer, like me!) then read on to learn how author Nikki Shannon Smith creates and revises the world of Azaleah Lane! I’m utterly thrilled that Nikki was willing to share how she wrote and revised the third installment of her chapter book mystery series, THE SCRUMPTIOUS LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE illustrated by Gloria Felix.